Views From The Hil 25 Views From The Hil 25

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Cambridge Cooks: Crock Pot Onion Soup Cambridge Cooks: Crock Pot Onion Soup

Photos: Debra Pearlman

With the recent turn in the weather, I thought that one more soup recipe would be useful. This is a personal favorite of mine and always a big hit with guests.

WHAT YOU NEED:

2 Qt. beef stock (Organic tastes best)
6 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
1/2-cup butter
3 tsp. salt
1/2-cup sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 cup dry vermouth or cognac
2 cups granted Parmesan cheese (optional)

WHAT YOU DO:

1. Pour stock and vermouth into crock-pot, cover and set on HIGH

2. In large skillet cook unions slowly in butter; cover and cook for 15 min.

3. Uncover and add salt, sugar, flour, and stir thoroughly

4. Add to crock-pot, cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (on HIGH for 3 hours)

5. Serve with Parmesan cheese on top.

Recipe is for a 5 quart Crock Pot - adjust as needed

OPTIONS:

1. Place a slice of crusty baguette in oven-safe soup bowl, add a slice of Gruyere cheese and place under the broiler for 5 min. or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

ENJOY!

Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

WHITE OCEAN

One month ago this field was covered with a different coat of white: that of snow. Look what a month brings. Now it is covered with the white gossamer, which protects the new, delicate vegetables being grown for the Moses Vegetable Stand in Eagle Bridge. Every year I spend long, relaxing times sitting and watching this evolution from a fields of white snow to a field of white cloth. Then, as the little plants grow they raise the material from the ground to greater and greater heights. On windy days this “ocean” of white undulates with the breezes, creating an experience very similar to what I have known on the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing off the coast of Maine I would spend hours watching the great movements of the ocean waters all around me. Witnessing this phenomenon in Moses’ vegetable fields is also, in itself, a beautiful, calming experience.

Before long there will be a bounty from this rural, upstate “ocean”. I can’t wait until I can finally taste the delicious tomatoes, corn, peppers, and squash from our local “sea” of white.

Cambridge Life 4/25/08 Cambridge Life 4/25/08

Photo: John Carlson & June Mohan

Hey folks! I took a walk down Main Street this week and marveled at my friends and neighbors' activity. New topsoil was being spread and lawns seeded, lots of tree and limb trimmings were out on the sidewalk awaiting Village pick-up, and Stewart's was calling me for that first ice cream of the season (which I resisted).

So here is my dilemma, I need to bust-up a whole area of my lawn. Anyone out there good with a tiller or have a small tractor with a tilling attachment? The plan is to turn the back end of my property into a meadow of wild flowers, but I need to turn the lawn under and prepare the soil before I put down the seeds. I know that I cannot manage a tiller myself (unless I don't mind loosing a foot, which I would not be very happy about) and am hoping that a generous neighbor would like to lend a hand. I won't talk but a moment with the right equipment. If you can help or know where I might go to rent the right sort of "little" tractor, please call 677-8471 or email Debra Pearlman with the information. I'd be willing to barter.

That's what my life in Cambridge, NY is focusing on....getting some landscaping done!

How about your life...want to post on the Cambridge Buzz? Email your post to me, Debra Pearlman.

Cambridge Buzz, creating community one link at a time.

Regional Treasures: Lesley Nase Regional Treasures: Lesley Nase

Many fascinating and creative people live in Cambridge --- and in the surrounding area. One such person is Lesley Nase, animal communicator and healer, and also a storyteller. Lesley has remarkable intuitive abilities that help her “see” what animals are feeling and what they may have to communicate with their human companions.


Photo Credit: Andy Holzman

I first became aware of Lesley Nase’s work through John Katz’s book “A Good Dog,” where he consults with her to help him come to terms with the passing away of a dog that he deeply loved. One of Lesley’s clients has said, “She's helped with a variety of pet-related issues - from learning more about animals we were considering for adoption to trying to determine the cause of our dog's severe seizures, or to simply help us in dealing with our beloved pets, passing. Her incredible ability to communicate with our animals, and then to share that information with us in a way that allows us to understand and absorb it, has been invaluable to us for many years. She's shared our joys and sorrows, helping to confirm our decisions and to understand the purpose of our beloved pets in our lives, and so much more.”

Based nearby in Vermont, Lesley offers consultations and workshops designed to help others learn to communicate more intuitively and effectively with the animals in their lives. For more information, go to Lesley’s website, Moonspinners Tearoom Shamanic Healing. And I highly recommend her blog, where she recounts fascinating stories about the animals in her life.

Views from the Hil 24 Views from the Hil 24

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Cambridge Cooks: Marilyn's Gin Fizzes Cambridge Cooks: Marilyn's Gin Fizzes

Photos: Debra Pearlman


Yes, it's getting to be cocktail time so here's one to whet your whistle with.

WHAT YOU NEED:

12 oz. gin
6 oz. lemon juice (bottled or fresh - but fresh is amazing)
6 oz. half and half
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1-1/2 oz. soda water
crushed ice

WHAT YOU DO:

Mix sugar and lemon juice.
Add half & half, gin and eggs.
Mix well in blender. Add a handful or two of ice and blend.
Add a splash of soda and then serve (you do not want to blend the soda).

This is really refreshing after a day of yard work or gardening.

The recipe comes to me by way of my niece-in-law. She says it originated with a family friend who would make it for the Big Game (Cal v. Stanford in football). She also warns that it will get you drunk more quickly than you expect....so go easy or make the non-alcoholic version - without the gin of course!

Cambridge Life: 4/21/08 Cambridge Life: 4/21/08

Photos: John Carlson & June Mohan

Hey Cambridge, seems we went from winter to summer, doesn't it? What a week just past. Between dog sitting for my sister in Maryland and celebrating Passover with family in Connecticut, I nearly missed the daffodils blooming. How many of you have turned on the outside water and found yourself saying, "It's just too early to have to be watering the garden."

I have a request to all the readers of the Cambridge Buzz. I am searching for a copy of January 2007 National Geographic Magazine. There is an article that I need for some research I'm doing on Humpback whales. Anyone out there keep their back issues of Nat. Geo? Send me an email Debra Pearlman and let me know if you can help me with this one.

On to another subject...what a bike race last Saturday! Kudos to Dieter and his crew for a fabulous event. Next up on the Cambridge schedule is Hubbard Hall's annual perennial plant sale. It's this Saturday, April 26 9:00 am. Come early for the best selection.

The next several weekends are packed with wonderful events. Here's a brief preview of what will be happening around the area:

May 3 is Derby Day Dinner Fest. Call 518-677-8495 to make your reservations.
May 4 @ 2:00 pm - mad hot Ballroom A dance on Film event.
May 10 is Jazz Night: Art Lande, Johannes Weidenmueller and Bruce Williamson at the Hall.
May 11 is Contra Dancing at the Beacon Feed Dance Studio - no experience necessary.
May 16 is Opening Night Dinner for Man of La Mancha. Call 518-677-8495 for info.

And this does not include all the new classes at Hubbard Hall, the lectures in the area, soccer games, baseball season, tennis time...phew! So much to do...

See you round town as I celebrate my Life in Cambridge, NY.

NOT TO BE MISSED - Tour of the Battenkill NOT TO BE MISSED - Tour of the Battenkill

Photo courtesy Tour of the Battenkill

This Saturday, April 19th over 2500 visitors will arrive in our area for the 4th annual Tour of the Battenkill Bicycle Race. Thanks to the efforts of local bicycle shop owner Dieter Drake and his dedication to the sport of cycling, the Battenkill Valley now boasts that it is the home of the largest single day race in North America. Professional and dedicated armature cyclists from across the USA and Canada will compete along over 55 miles of paved and dirt roads through the towns and villages of the Battenkill Valley. For a complete guide and map of the race go to www.battenkillroubaix.com/about.html.

Enjoy the RACE EXPO and entertainment while you support our local youth cycling club Farm Team Cycling.


Photo courtesy Tour of the Battenkill

Vews From the Hil 23 Vews From the Hil 23

Yes, it's that time of year!


Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Cambridge Cooks: Goat Cheese Medallions Cambridge Cooks: Goat Cheese Medallions

Photos: Debra Pearlman

This recipe come to me by way of my friends Becky and Max - both love to cook and love to entertain. They've adapted it from a treat they had at a tapas restaurant in Boston. ENJOY!

Goat Cheese Medallions with Honeyed Red Onions

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 6 oz. log of goat cheese
1 medium red onion
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3/4 cup canola or peanut oil
1 Tbsp. butter
1 egg white
1-2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tsp. water

WHAT YOU DO:

The Onions:

Slice the onions into thin rings or strips. Cook in a medium skillet over high heat with the water until soft (about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, add olive oil and butter. Saute, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Add honey and stir for about 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.

The Cheese:

Cut and form the cheese into 1/2 inch rounds (6 oz. should make about 8 rounds).

Dip rounds in the egg white and dredge in the bread crumbs.

Heat canola or peanut oil (about 1/2 inch deep) in a medium skillet over high heat until VERY hot - it should sizzle if you sprinkle in a few drops of water.

Gently place the rounds into the oil and brown on each side for about 1-1/2 miniutes, until they are crispy.

Remove the cheese and drain on a paper towel.

Serve medallions hot over the onions.

For a lighter version, you can brown the cheese rounds on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for 4-6 minutes.

It's best if cheese is very cold for molding into rounds: wet your fingers for best results.

Views From The Hil 22 Views From The Hil 22

I know this is a bit late for the posting, but I have to admit I, myself, have been writing MARCH on my morning pages log for the past 4 or 5 days! Enjoy. - John C


Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Cambridge Life 4/8/08 Cambridge Life 4/8/08

(Photo: John Carlson)

It's going to be a crazy next couple of weeks here at the Cambridge Buzz. Readers have probably noticed that most of the postings originate from John or Debra. Hilary's cartoons are sent to John for posting, and I receive a variety of announcements and tidbits to post-- though mostly John and I make the content for this blog.

I'm telling you all this because both John and I will be traveling a great deal over the next month. I will have access to my email and would love to here what is going on around the area-- So I am asking for your help in keeping the blog fresh and new.

The weather is getting warmer and many of you are out and about with cameras in tow. Send a photo, write me an email...I'll post it to the blog and be able to know what is going on around the Cambridge Valley. John will actually be going out of the country and having the blog to check (when he has internet access) will surly make him smile.

Here's all you need to do: click on my name Debra Pearlman and send your email. You only need to write 150-200 words (that's maybe 2 paragraphs). Share what you observe around the area or tell us about upcoming events. If you like, include a picture in the .jpg format (no wider than 5.5 inches and 72 dpi). I'll check my email everyday and publish your post on the Cambridge Buzz blog.

I can't wait to hear all the exciting things that will be going on in Cambridge,NY and points beyond.

SAVE THE DATE: Artist's Reception SAVE THE DATE: Artist's Reception

Photo courtesy of Luke Goldreyer

The Annual Artist's Reception for the 2008 Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival will be held on May 9, 2008, at the West Village Market in Cambridge, NY. The event will run from 6-9 p.m.

This year's festival artist, Evan Wilson, will unveil his beautiful oil on canvas painting. The artwork will be used for the 2008 poster and program cover. Posters and other festival merchandise will be available for sale at the Artist's Reception.

Reservations are required. To reserve your tickets, please call the Chamber office, 518-677-0887. Admission includes hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

The 8th Annual Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival will be held on June 6-8, 2008 in and around the Village of Cambridge, NY. For details, visit cambridgenychamber.com or call 518-677-0887.

Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

Early Spring
It was a magical ride to Saratoga Springs today. The cold snow sublimating into the warm spring air. Transformation. Creation. Atmosphere.
-John Carlson

(Photo copyright John Carlson 2008)
Email me at:
jdcarlson2001@yahoo.com.